Everyday, on my way home, I couldn't help but think of many things and reflect about the life I have since I graduated from college. I remember, as a fresh graduate from this prestigious university, I was really assertive when it comes to applying and sending my resume from one preschool to another, hoping that I would get a call back. My summer in the year 2010 was dedicated to demo-teaching and interviews with the high officials of schools. My communication skills and way of thinking were really challenged at that time. I gave my 101% in every task they asked me to do to show them that I'm the preschool teacher they're looking for. I was passionate. I had this spark, the spark that most fresh graduates have after stepping their best foot forward in the real world.
Now, the big question is, do I still have the spark? And then followed by, am I as passionate as I was two years ago?
I found myself reading this article from Philippine Star the other day. It was posted by a high school classmate on Facebook and as I read it, wow. Let me share with you the lines that struck me most.
"The truth is, you will never be as passionate as your Fresh Grad self
ever again. Make that passion last as long as you can. I don’t want to
be dramatic, but really, that sparkle? Once it’s gone, you can never
take it back. Oo, parang virginity lang.
So while you have it, savor the moment. Go make mistakes, while you’re still expected to be imperfect. Go cry in the cubicle, while your age allows it. Go sing Hand in My Pocket and You Learn at the karaoke bar, while you’re still “young and underpaid.” Go chase your dreams and change the world. The best time to change the world? It’s right after college, when you are f*cking sure you can."
So while you have it, savor the moment. Go make mistakes, while you’re still expected to be imperfect. Go cry in the cubicle, while your age allows it. Go sing Hand in My Pocket and You Learn at the karaoke bar, while you’re still “young and underpaid.” Go chase your dreams and change the world. The best time to change the world? It’s right after college, when you are f*cking sure you can."
It was like the author was talking to me. Just what I need. Coincidence, perhaps? Well, I'm not a fresh graduate anymore but in my honest opinion, this article is not only limited to the fresh graduates. It is also meant for anyone who considers quitting as the only way to get away with real world problems. Don't quit just because someone said you're not good enough, you're dumb, someone's better than you, or you don't fit their standards. Prove them wrong.
I've been teaching since 2010 but I still make mistakes. I haven't reached the level of perfection, if there's such thing. I cry, but I don't let my mistakes bring me down. Sometimes, I sing my heart out when I drive and I don't mind the odd stares I get from the people who can see me from the outside. ;) I let all the frustrations out of my system, and I replace them with positive things. Or sometimes, I talk to someone I trust. It really helps.
Now going back to the big question, do I still have the spark? I'm glad I came across this article. Pakiramdam ko kasi nawawala na ung spark/sparkle na nasa sa akin dati, at unti-unti na rin nawawala ung passion. I realize that I shouldn't let the spark/sparkle and the passion go. I still have a long, long way to go. And I'm going to need these in chasing my dreams and in helping change the world. This article is definitely an eye-opener for me.
